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Our famous homemade Naan recipe is soft and chewy with the perfect hint of garlic!

Naan bread stacked on top of each other on white plate.
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We love Naan!

Naan is the best! Have you made it before? We first tried it a few years bag and are obessed with how soft, simple and delicious it is.

Making homemade naan is more simple than you think and is similar to making Flour Tortillas or Fry Bread.

Follow our simple steps for fail-proof Naan to serve with all your favorite dishes.

Why we love it:

  • EASY! Believe it or not, this recipe is very simple and fail-proof.
  • GREAT SIDE. Yes, naan bread is great to eat on its own, but it’s also the perfect side for Curry as well as other Indian dishes.
  • SIMPLE INGREDIENTS. If you cook or bake often, you typically have all the ingredients for this dish.
  • STORE + FREEZE. This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time as well as freezing for later, which is great for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • ยฝ cup warm water the water should be between 105-115ยฐF
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast. Normally instant yeast does not need to be activated in warm water first, but for this recipe, it tends to create a fluffier texture than simply adding it to the flour or using active dry yeast.
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar itโ€™s just enough sugar to help the yeast bloom
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil you can also use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • ยผ cup plain yogurt – helps give the bread a soft texture
  • 1 whole egg
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 2ยฝ – 3 cups all-purpose flour learn How to Measure Flour Correctly so you get the best texture
  • 2 tablespoons butter use salted or unsalted butter 
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic – optional flavor, add it to the butter and then melt
  • toppings (optional) – sprinkle with fresh herbs like fresh cilantro or parsley

How to Make Naan Bread

  1. DOUGH. Combine ยฝย cup warm water, 2ย teaspoons yeast, and 1ย teaspoon sugar in a large bowl; let the yeast mixture sit for five minutes or till bubbly. Add 3ย tablespoons olive oil, ยผย cup yogurt, 1 egg, ยฝย teaspoon salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir till smooth.
    • Add enough flour to make a soft naan dough. Knead a few times on a floured counter until smooth.ย Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
  2. PREP. Preheat a skillet to medium heat. Cut dough into eight pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece into a 6″ circle.ย 
  3. COOK. Add a little oil or non-stick spray to a hot skillet. Cook each circle for 2-3 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on the bottom. Flip over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. SEASON. Brush the top (the bubbly side) of each naan with melted butter. I added 2ย teaspoons garlic to 2ย tablespoons butter, but that is optional.

    PRO TIP: Dough Thickness Matters

    The width of the bread can be anywhere from 5-10 inches wide. The thickness should only be about 3-5mm thick. If rolled too thin they’ll be crispy, but if rolled too thick, they won’t form bubbles.  

    Spreading melted butter on a cooked piece of dough.

    Cast Iron Skillet

    Homemade naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, but you can also use a cast iron skillet. It distributes heat equally, giving an even cook to each piece of dough. Other heavy-bottomed pans will work too. 

    Delicious naan stacked on torn on top of each other.
    4.99 from 916 votes

    Homemade Naan Recipe

    By: Lil’ Luna
    Homemade naan bread is soft, chewy, and simply delicious. It's an easy side, perfect for pairing with any meal.
    Servings: 8
    Prep: 1 hour 20 minutes
    Cook: 6 minutes
    Total: 1 hour 26 minutes

    Ingredients 

    • ยฝ cup warm water
    • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • ยผ cup plain yogurt
    • 1 egg
    • ยฝ teaspoon salt
    • 2ยฝ-3 cups all purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

    Instructions 

    • Combine ยฝย cup warm water, 2ย teaspoons yeast, and 1ย teaspoon sugar in a large bowl; let sit for five minutes or till bubbly. Add 3ย tablespoons olive oil, ยผย cup yogurt, 1 egg, ยฝย teaspoon salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir till smooth.
    • Add enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead a few times on a floured counter until smooth.ย Place dough in a greased bowl.
    • Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
    • Preheat a skillet to medium heat.Cut dough into eight pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece into a 6" circle.ย 
    • Add a little oil or non-stick spray to the skillet. Cook each circle for 2-3 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on the bottom.
    • Flip over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
    • Brush the top (the bubbly side) of each naan with melted butter. I added 2ย teaspoons garlic to 2ย tablespoons butter, but that is optional.

    Video

    Notes

    STORE. Cool and store in a Ziploc bag. At room temperature, Naan Bread should last 5-7 days on the counter. If stored in the fridge it can last a couple of days longer.
    FREEZE. Wrap in Saran Wrap or foil and for extra security, place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let defrost and warm up in the oven or microwave.
    Store the dough. To store the dough in the fridge or freezer to be cooked later, place them in an airtight container large enough to accommodate its gradually rising. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Punch down, divide, and bake according to the directions.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 231kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 184mg, Potassium: 70mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 125IU, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1.9mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Recipe FAQ

    • Divide the dough into equal portions. 
    • Roll each ball out and then brush with garlic butter. 
    • Pile a bit of your favorite cheese in the center. Choose a โ€œmeltyโ€ cheese: Monterey Jack, Swiss, Provolone, smoked Gouda, or Havarti.
    • Gather the edges over the cheese and twist them together to seal the dough. 
    • Flip the little bundle over and use a rolling pin to roll them out being careful to keep the cheese safely inside.
    • Dry cook according to the directions.
    • Naan also does not have to be used as just a side. We like to use it to make Flatbread Wraps, Flatbread Pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
    • It can go with anything, but it’s typically best with Asian and Indian foods such as chicken tikka masala or butter chicken.
    • Cool and store in a Ziploc bag. At room temperature, Naan bread should last 5-7 days on the counter. If stored in the fridge it can last a couple of days longer.
    • Wrap in plastic wrap or foil. For extra security, place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let defrost and warm up in the oven or microwave.
    • Place dough in an airtight container large enough to accommodate a gradual rise. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Punch down, divide, and bake according to the directions.
    • Double the amount of yeast added to the dough to compensate for any that will die in the freezer.
    • One large dough ball before you let it rise. To serve, allow the dough to thaw and rise to double (this will take several hours). Divide and cook. 
    • Form individual dough balls. Let the dough rise to double, punch it down, and divide it into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, store them together in a freezer-safe container. To serve, let the dough thaw and cook. 
    • The dough can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    For more bread recipes:

    About Kristyn

    My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

    So Easy & So Yummy

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    4.99 from 916 votes (641 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




    617 Comments

    1. Stacy says:

      5 stars
      These came out great! I was lazy, so after letting the yeast/water/sugar mixture bubble up in my mixer bowl, I added the rest of the ingredients and used my paddle attachment to knead it. Still came out perfect – thank you for this!

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        You’re welcome!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe and to hear it worked well in your mixer.

    2. Janice says:

      5 stars
      Very easy to make and really delicious!! Can’t stop making it!

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Yay! I’m so so happy to hear that!

    3. Karen says:

      5 stars
      Tried it, came out really great!

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Yay! So glad to hear that!

    4. Maria says:

      5 stars
      This was AWESOME! This was the first recipe I tried for Naan. It was as good as the store bought kind, if not better! I refuse to buy them because they are so expensive and my supermarket always have them previously frozen! I will definitely make them again. I will probably use my infused olive oils! Thank you!!!!

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Yay! I’m so happy to hear you loved the bread. Homemade is the way to go! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks for sharing.

    5. Frank Wenners says:

      5 stars
      Iโ€™ve made these more times and I can count and even substituting sour cream when there was no yogurt in the fridge. Placing the oiled bowl covered in the dehydrator set for 100 degrees speeds up the process.

      I keep them in the freezer and pull them as needed. A few seconds in the microwave or near the vent when the oven is on and there ready to go. Everyone loves them!

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        That makes me so happy to hear! I’m so glad these have become a favorite! Thanks for sharing.

    6. Cindy says:

      5 stars
      Instructions were easy to follow. First-timer here! Recipe turned out great! Will make again! Soon!

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Welcome!

    7. Tracy says:

      Looks delicious and seems easy. Is it possible to use plain Greek yogurt?

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        You could certainly give it a try!

      2. Kelly F says:

        I wondered the same thing…have you tried using greek yogurt yet? Did it turn out? Thanks!

        1. I’ve actually only used Greek yogurt when making these and think they still turn out amazing and delicious!

        2. Lil'Luna Team says:

          Thanks for sharing!

    8. Mondray Brown says:

      I wanted to know how much flour, how much yeast, how much of everything. Other than that it was easy to follow and I’m sure you will revamp and put the WHOLE recipe up here. Thank you for everything you are doing

      Mondray

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Yes, the whole recipe is there on a recipe card at the bottom of the post. Just click on “Jump to Recipe” and it’ll show you all the measurements and full instructions. ๐Ÿ™‚

    9. Heather says:

      5 stars
      Made this recipe last night after realizing I didn’t have any more naan for falafel. Super quick and easy! I will be making this again!

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Hooray! So glad you were able to use the recipe in a pinch. Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

    10. Kate says:

      5 stars
      Even though it was my first time making it, It was easy to make and delicious!
      I minced several cloves of garlic and cooked it in a generous amount of butter (microwave) added a little parsley for color and brushed that off the bread. The little bits of garlic were perfect on the bread. My husband absolutely loved it!

      On a side note, the ads really wreak havoc with the screen when trying to post a rating ๐Ÿ˜‰ makes it hop all over the place.

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Oh I’m so happy to hear you loved the bread!! The addition of garlic was probably delicious as well. Thanks for the feedback on the ads. They do help us continue to provide free content and recipes, so thanks for understanding! ๐Ÿ™‚

      2. Marcia L says:

        5 stars
        These Wes fantastic! Very easy last minute addition to a dinner of marinAted chicken breasts and roasted veggies. The recipe is easy to follow.
        I made some plain, some with garlic bitter and fresh parsley but the absolute best was the one with scallions pressed into the dough, then cooked.
        My 24 yo wants me to teach him how to make these! Thanksโ€ฆand try the scallions!

        1. Lil'Luna Team says:

          I love that you tried lots of flavors! The scallions sound fabulous. So glad you enjoyed the bread and thanks for sharing!